Byzantium and British Heritage: Byzantine influences on the Arts and Crafts Movement

The Byzantine Revival (1840-1910) had a significant impact on British heritage, influencing architecture and decorative arts. This volume explores the people and movements behind the revival, including the architects and scholars who created the Byzantine Research Fund (BRF) Archive. The BRF members, trained in the Arts and Crafts Movement, combined British design tradition with Byzantine arts and crafts, creating a unique link between Britain and the Hellenic world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

Byzantium played a pivotal role in the flourishing of the Arts and Crafts Movement (1880–1910) in Britain, a movement that celebrated the revival of traditional craftsmanship and artistic values. While the influence of the Gothic Revival (1830–80) is widely recognized, the Byzantine Revival (1840–1910) has received less attention. This comprehensive volume delves into the individuals and movements that shaped the Byzantine Revival and explores how they left an indelible mark on British heritage, spanning from architecture to decorative arts during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

At the heart of this volume are the architects and scholars who established the Byzantine Research Fund (BRF) Archive. This remarkable collection comprises architectural drawings and photographs of numerous Byzantine monuments, providing a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The BRF members, an eclectic group of individuals, hailed from diverse backgrounds and were based at the newly founded British School at Athens. Their mission was to advance the study of Byzantium in Britain and Greece, drawing upon the traditions of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Trained in the principles of authenticity and craftsmanship, the BRF members sought to bridge the gap between British design traditions and Byzantine arts and crafts. Their work, characterized by a unique blend of British and Byzantine elements, represents a significant and understudied link between Britain and the Hellenic world. This volume aims to fill this knowledge gap by presenting the first comprehensive exploration of the Byzantine Revival in Britain.

Byzantium and British Heritage will captivate anyone with an interest in the interplay between Byzantine and British culture, as well as Byzantine art. It offers a rich and insightful perspective on a period of cultural exchange and artistic innovation, shedding light on the profound impact of the Byzantine Revival on British heritage.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815359746